Conditions will slowly improve early this morning as wind and rain subsides from Rhode Island into central and eastern Massachusetts. Winds currently are strongest along the east coast and in southeast Massachusetts, where gusts are between 30 MPH and 50 MPH.

Overnight, peak wind gusts were between 65 MPH and 78 MPH in southeastern Massachusetts, and 75 MPH at the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton.

Showers are forecast to linger over Massachusetts today, with the heaviest rains likely to fall on the east slopes of the Berkshires. Gusty winds will persist into tonight and possibly into Tuesday, with 40-50 mph gusts possible over much of the state and gusts of up to 60 mph along the eastern slopes of the Berkshires. Conditions are expected to remain dry through midweek, with daytime highs in the 50s and overnight lows in the 30s and 40s.

The National Weather Service is forecasting continued strong winds throughout the day, with the winds shifting to the west or southwest behind the departing storm. Wind gusts may be as high as 40 to 50 mph across the state, possibly causing additional scattered downed trees, branches and power lines.

MEMA’s Operations Unit and Regional offices have been in telephone communication with many of the cities and towns that are dealing with the largest number of power outages. The communities all report that they are dealing with downed trees and limbs and roads closed as a result of the debris. The communities also are either working with utility company restoration crews, or are awaiting additional crews.

Rivers

The following rivers are currently in or are forecast to reach flood stage:

The Blackstone River at Northbridge is currently at 8.5 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage (9.0 feet) by midday and continue to rise to near 9.2 feet by mid-afternoon. The river will fall below flood stage by late this afternoon. Flooding of low lying areas along the riverbank is likely between Northbridge and the Rhode Island border.

The North Nashua River at Fitchburg is currently at 7.7 feet. The river remains in flood this morning but is receding and should fall below flood stage (6.5 feet) by evening. Flooding of low lying areas along the river can be expected from Fitchburg downstream into Lancaster. Flooding affects businesses near the junction of River and Depot Streets in Fitchburg.

Flood warnings for Minor Flooding have been issued for several rivers. Additionally, Moderate Flooding has been forecasted for the N. Nashua River in Fitchburg. See the graphic below.

Overnight, numerous downed trees, wires and poles were reported across the state. Additionally, there were numerous reports of flash flooding of streets and urban areas.

Power outages in the state are at 269,000 (down from a high of 272,000). See the graphic and details below.

Brockton Good Samaritan Medical Center has reported to the Department of Public Health that it is running on generator power.

For a complete local forecast visit our media partner, WCVB.

Stay informed

For additional information and updated forecasts, see www.weather.gov/boston (National Weather Service Taunton) and www.weather.gov/albany (National Weather Service Albany)

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service. Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times: http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html